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The universe is ever-expanding. Have you ever wondered what lies beyond the Earth aside from the Moon and stars we see at night? I know I am not the only person who has thought of this. Perhaps, you – the reader – are curious also. The closest solution that can answer this question is with the use of a telescope!
Even the great minds of the past generations, like Galileo, had an interest in space. In today’s article, we are going to take a look at two computerized telescopes from Celestron – the 5SE and 6SE. Let’s see how they fare against each other in the Celestron NexStar 5SE vs Celestron NexStar 6SE comparison chart, discuss similarities and differences, and draw our conclusions. Without further ado, let’s get into it.
Celestron NexStar 5SE vs Celestron NexStar 6SE – Similarities
All specifications and features of the Celestron NexStar 5SE and the Celestron NexStar 6SE computerized telescopes are in a side by side chart.
| Name |
Celestron NexStar 5SE |
Celestron NexStar 6SE |
|---|---|---|
| Image |  |
 |
| Optical Design | Schmidt-Cassegrain | Schmidt-Cassegrain |
| Aperture | 125mm (4.92″) | 150mm (5.91″) |
| Focal Length | 1250mm (49″) | 1500mm (59″) |
| Focal Ratio | f/10 | f/10 |
| Magnification | 50x | 60x |
| Optical Tube | Aluminum | Aluminum |
| Limiting Magnitude | 13 | 13.4 |
| Highest Useful Magnification | 295x | 354x |
| Lowest Useful Magnification | 18x | 21x |
| Mount Type | Computerized Altitude-Azimuth Single Fork Arm | Computerized Altitude-Azimuth Single Fork Arm |
| Instrument Load Capacity | 10 lbs (4.54 kg) | 12 lbs (5.44 kg) |
| Tripod Weight | 10 lbs (4.54 kg) | 9 lbs (4.08 kg) |
| Autoguide port | No | Yes |
| Dimensions | 32.01 x 27.01 x 12.99 inches | 32.01 x 26 x 12 inches |
| Assembled Weight | 27.6 lbs | 30 lbs |
| Price | Check Price on Amazon | Check Price on Amazon |
Schmidt-Cassegrain Telescope
Generally, there are only two types of telescope: the reflector and refractor. Both have their strengths and weaknesses. In actuality, there is another type of telescope that combines the strengths of the reflector and refractor. It is called the catadioptric or compound telescope which is considered the best of both worlds. The Schmidt-Cassegrain Telescope, a.k.a. SCT, falls under this third type of telescope which means it uses both lenses and mirrors. It is the most popular type of telescope due to its versatility and compactness. Most of the new SCTs are computerized like both Celestron NexStar 5SE and 6SE.
Focal Ratio
Like most SCTs, the NexStar 5SE and 6SE have a focal ratio of f/10. The focal ratio is the quotient of the focal length and objective diameter. A focal ratio of f/10 is ideal for observing the moon, planets, and double stars. Moreover, it also influences the brightness of extended objects. An image using an f/5 telescope is four times as bright as an f/10 one but with half the image. With all things considered, a focal ratio of f/10 hits the right spot.
Mount Type and Optical Tube
As a computerized telescope, both the 5SE and 6SE need a mount to aid it with locating objects in the sky. Both Celestron telescopes use a single fork arm with computerized altitude and azimuth. Also, the optical tube of each telescope is made out of aluminum.
Also read: Celestron AstroMaster 70AZ vs PowerSeeker 70AZ
Celestron NexStar 5SE vs Celestron NexStar 6SE – Differences
Aperture and Focal Length
Aperture is the most important specification of any telescope, according to telescope enthusiasts. The aperture of a telescope is the diameter of its main lens or mirror. Thus, the larger the aperture, the brighter the image.
Celestron NexStar 5SE
The Celestron NexStar 5SE has a smaller aperture between the two telescopes. The diameter of its main lens measures 125 millimeters or 4.92 inches. Therefore, when both telescopes are looked at side-by-side, the NexStar 5SE will look dimmer. Due to its smaller aperture, it also has a lower limiting magnitude or the brightness of the faintest star that can be seen with it. Additionally, it has a focal length of 1250 which to some extent influences the length of the telescope. Therefore, its shorter focal length makes the 5SE more compact.
Celestron NexStar 6SE
As the next generation of the NexStar lineup, the 6SE is better in every category. It has an aperture of 150 millimeters or 5.91 inches and a focal length of 1500 millimeters. Although it can capture more light with its larger aperture, you are sacrificing a little bit of portability that comes with a longer focal length. Lastly, it has a slightly increased limiting magnitude of 13.4.
The Winner Is- Celestron NexStar 6SE
Magnification
Looking closer at celestial objects is the main reason why you will buy a telescope. Thus, looking at its magnification ability should be of great importance to you.
Celestron NexStar 5SE
Be amazed and more curious about the celestial bodies with NexStar 5SE’s 50 times of magnification. While it has a modest optimal magnification, it has a decreased range in terms of useful magnification. Meaning, when you zoomed in more than 295 times or zoomed out less than 18 times, the image you will see through the telescope will be too dim and fuzzy (in short, unusable). Although its magnification ability isn’t as powerful as the 6SE, beginners like you will still enjoy looking through the galaxy.
Celestron NexStar 6SE
In contrast, the NexStar 6SE has an increased optimal magnification of 60 times. With its higher magnification, you can look at the moon and its craters closer and in more detail. The range of useful magnification is also increased at 354 times as its maximum and 21 times as its minimum.
The Winner Is- Celestron NexStar 6SE
Also read: Orion SpaceProbe 130ST vs Celestron AstroMaster 130EQ
Value for the Money
As both of these Celestron telescopes are geared toward beginners, the value for the money is as important as the quality of the image it creates.
Celestron NexStar 5SE
As you can already imagine, the Celestron NexStar 5SE is cheaper than its competitor. With its lower price tag, it is indeed made for beginners. Don’t look down on the 5SE, however. It is still a very capable computerized telescope. You can introduce the universe to your kids with the Celestron 5SE.
Celestron NexStar 6SE
The Celestron NexStar 6SE beats the 5SE in every category. It has a larger aperture, increased magnification, among other things. But it also comes with a hefty price tag. That is why the NexStar 6SE is only considered decent at best at its price point.
The Winner Is- Celestron NexStar 5SE
Pros and Cons
The pros and cons of the the the Celestron NexStar 5SE and the Celestron NexStar 6SE will help us to determine which magnifier is the better option.
Celestron NexStar 5SE
Pros:
- The NexStar 5SE has a decently large aperture of 125 millimeters.
- Due to its shorter focal length, the 5SE is more compact and portable.
- It gives you the best bang for your buck.
Cons:
- It isn’t as powerful as the 6SE.
Celestron NexStar 6SE
Pros:
- The NexStar 6Se is better than the 5SE in every aspect.
- The image seen through its eyepiece is brighter due to its larger aperture.
- You can see celestial objects closer and in more detail.
Cons:
- For its higher price, the 6SE is only decent at best.
The Final Verdict
If you are looking for a great way to start your journey through the universe, look no further because both the NexStar 5SE and 6SE are great candidates for that. Both are computerized SCTs that will help you locate more than 40,000 stars, galaxies, nebulae, star clusters, etc. Start your sightseeing and astrophotography hobby with the NexStar 6SE as it has better specs. Otherwise, if you are looking to get the best value for your money, then choose the 5SE instead.